Union College

Union College is one of the most historic educational institutions in the state of New York, dating back to 1795. It is a non-denominational liberal arts college. The name “union” reflects its openness to students from different backgrounds and its non-sectarian founding by educationalists from several different faiths.

The college’s liberal arts common core curriculum provides students with a broad foundation of knowledge and skills alongside their chosen discipline. First year students learn critical thinking, reading and writing skills, which are put to the test during the sophomore year research seminar. Union was the first liberal arts college in the country to offer engineering.

Over 50 majors and minors are on offer, with new programmes being added. Subjects include Africana studies, bioengineering, Japanese, classics, religious studies, computational methods and theatre to name just a few.

Three of the earliest fraternities, Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi and Delta Phi, were established at Union College. For this reason, it is sometimes known as the “Mother of Fraternities”. Nine fraternities are currently active at Union College.

The college has had several alumni distinguish themselves in politics, including United States presidents Chester A Arthur and Jimmy Carter and secretary of state William Henry Seward

Union College is located in Schenectady, a city on the bank of the Mohawk River. New York's capital, Albany, is a short distance away. The college campus features eight acres of landscape and woodland known as Jackson’s Garden. Students can also attend movie nights for free every weeknight in the Reamer Auditorium.